Nintendo has yet to officially reveal the successor to the Switch console, but it seems many hardware manufacturers want to spoil the surprise early. Over the past few weeks, many case makers have started to release accessories for the Switch 2, and combined with some alleged leaks on internet forums, it looks like we already know what Nintendo has planned for the console.
Dbrand has announced its “Killswitch 2” packaging, which shows a Switch-like handheld console wrapped in a protective case. A mockup of the hardware inside the Killswitch 2 shows a mysterious “C” button below the right analog stick, along with new rear buttons next to the trigger.
But that’s not all, as Dbrand CEO Adam Ijaz told The Verge that the case is based on “actual dimensions” of “3D scans of real hardware.” According to Dbrand, the Switch 2 will be a taller and larger device than the Switch OLED model, along with an 8-inch screen.
Joyful Benefits attach to the Switch with magnets and retain the stand like the original console. The mockup of the console also shows two USB-C ports on top of the hardware. All this corresponds to the designs of hardware cases from other manufacturers, including Chinese manufacturers.
A post on a popular post-Switch 2 development forum has gotten a lot of traction recently, where a user claimed to have gotten his “dirty hands on the final version of the Switch 2 and it’s [sic] dock.” Forum moderators confirmed this claim by stating that they had been sent proof of a user’s possession of the hardware.
A user named “NextHandheld” claims that the Switch 2 does indeed feature a “C” button on the bottom right and is larger than the Switch OLED, but surprisingly lighter as well. The console’s official logo is said to be the Switch logo followed by a simple “2”.
According to the user, Nintendo plans to officially reveal the device in January, and the unannounced game will be bundled with a special themed version of the console. Users on the forum are speculating that it could be Mario Kart 9. The user said they will post proof of ownership of the hardware at Christmas.
Nintendo will officially announce the Switch 2, or whatever it’s called, sometime before the end of fiscal year 2024, which is before April 2025.